Is it okay to eat or drink during a virtual interview? I don't want to be rude, but it helps me to have a beverage, especially if I'm talking a lot. I assume water is fine, but does it matter what I'm drinking if they can't see what's in the cup? Is it somehow less professional or more rude if I'm drinking coffee instead of water?

likefunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Eating during an interview is unacceptable. Even if the people on the other side are eating, I’d still avoid it. Drinking water or coffee is totally fine. Just act normal and casual about it.

like

Don’t eat! Chewing and eating during an interview, even a digital one is rude. Having drink and occasionally taking a sip is totally fine. And coffee is a normal drink.

like

Totally agree with others no eating or chewing gum. Occasional drink of water or coffee is fine.

I def think keeping a water bottle near you for a quick sip or two during the interview is fine! Something non-disruptive.

like

The idea of snacking mid-interview is making me giggle. I'd love to see an interviewer's reaction to me ripping into a bag of Doritos between questions. I don't think there's anything wrong with drinking coffee or water. I keep a tumbler of water on my desk at all times and sip from it during calls, so a virtual interview would be no different.

like

Snacking during an interview (even a virtual) is rude, disrespectful and just unaccetable!! You want to show the interviewer that they have your full attention, plus you do not want food flying or hanging out of your mouth when answering questions. A drink like coffee or even better water should be Ok, ( I sometimes get dry mouth when nervous), but eating...NO, NO and NO!!!

like

In what circumstances would you eat during an interview?

like

Yes, exactly. I hadn’t thought about virtual lunch but is that a thing for an interview? Idk. If I was the interviewer, I would cut it short if someone started eating.

like

I wouldn't eat but coffee or water would be fine

like

Oh no, another thing to stress about now 😂 It never once occurred to me that drinking something during an interview might be seen as unprofessional. I always have a bottle of water on my desk that I sip from, and sometimes a tea. I wouldn't eat, though.

like

I think consensus here is drinking water or coffee is totally fine, definitely not unprofessional - but choice of glass or bottle can be a factor… definitely don’t drink water out of an old pint glass stolen from the pub

like

I’ve had interviews arranged like at a coffee shop like Tim Hortons but stuck to a coffee as I personally just thought eating and talking with my mouth full of food would be disrespectful/ bad table manners.

like

If you’re going to have a burger while interviewing, try to include some steamed veggies on the side so they know you’re a good little boy.

funny

I was looking for a funny comment. You did not disappoint. 😂

More reasons not to hire: That's all. Or, you have to be a genius in your field, where companies hunt you like in a movie. Then you can do anything. But if that's the case, we wouldn't be here on Glassdoor, lol... So drink water or coffee—that's also without sound, yep.

If you were in person they would offer you water, coffee maybe tea so a beverage is fine. They offer beverages because it can be calming and you have something in your hands to avoid fidgeting.

Mark Shuttlecock ate when I interviewed with him, which I thought was rude.

Nobody knows what you're drinking, but both coffee and water are common throughout the day and I wouldn't worry about either.

Sure why not. Are you crazy
Do you eat or drink during any interview

Avoid totally. Look alert refreshed and energetic without on visual intakes.

I mean, wouldn't digging into a full english be a power move? You'd be SO MEMORABLE!

I would ask at beginning if they Mind if you drink water during interview. Never eat. Like you said it could be anything in your cup but just say it’s water. I would try to keep drinking to a minimum though with a few small sips spaced throughout.

At my last online interview, the interviewer asked if I had a drink to hand so I could have a drink. It was a nice touch. I guess it put me at ease that I didn't have to worry about taking a drink.

Related Posts

Flying emirates to through Dubai to Vietnam. 9 hour stopover in Dubai. Can I leave the airport and enter Dubai, leaving my luggage checked in to Vietnam? Anyone done this? What visa do I need?

like

Hi, Fishbowl! Just graduated with my MBA and finally looking to put my degree to work after helping run the family business a year after I received my bachelors. Looking for a remote position, preferably analyst role or associate analyst to get started, in tech or supply chain fields. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

like

Expected CTC for 6 YOE?

Tech: Frontend role(React JS/Angular/JS)

Hello Fishes,

So far I received offers from PwC India, Capgemini and Lexmark for Data Engineering.

More are in pipeline from KPMG GS, TechM, Accenture.

But one peculiar thing is happening. I have appeared for 4 Cognizant interviews but in all I have been rejected. Whereas most of my friends had easily cleared Cognizant. I am switching tech, so I am a bit concerned like whether my knowledge is too shallow😐

Is it sign of an Imposter Syndrome 🥺

Pls help🙏🏾

Yoe - 3.2

like

When does Adidas revise the salary.. Is this done during appraisal cycle of March-April?

What are some of your favorite science podcasts to listen to?

like

Has anyone rejoined in CTS within 1 or 2 yrs? How was the process? What was the package that you were given during rehire?

like

We need a Late Night Confessions bowl

likesmart

Does anyone know of any part time positions in healthcare? Wanted to get into medical sales. I have a ton of time outside of work so I figured it could be a good opportunity to make some extra cha-ching

like

I am desperately looking for SDM or Wintel/VMware infra manager role, have 13 YOE , i have ITIL, CSM certified , please help me with the leads, job portal aren't helpful.

like
like

Hi sharks, i have 40 months experience and looking for Frontend developer roles. Current ctc : 8.4 LPA and im IMMEDIATE joiner. My teck stack is : Angular, Javascript, Html5,Css3,Rest Apis, Jquery,Rxjs, typescript . Any openings or referrals would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

like

Is principal consultant equivalent to senior manager in pwc? @pwc

like

Why is Latham’s website so ugly?

likefunny

Hi everyone,
I gave TCS interview 5 days back.
Today received a mail, asking to upload documents at TCS IBegin.
Does this mean that i am selected ?

like

Anyone think the PERM processing time will fasten? I’d imagine with Covid there would have been less filing...

like

Putting in my two weeks with no job lined up to spend some time with my family and volunteering. Anyone have experience with a gap in employment? Will this ruin my chances of getting a “good” job by January? Have I gone completely insane?

like

There is an opportunity that I’m currently interviewing for that is very interesting to me. I’m interviewing two other places but I’m not responding to LinkedIn emails for other positions. The other positions don’t interest me as much. On one hand I don’t want to waste time prepping for all positions and rather put that time only for the ones that I have going on, on the other hand I feel like what is that falls through. Wondering if I’m making the right choice

like
like

Is it cheaper to get LASIK done in India or US?

Additional Posts in Interview Tips

Hello everyone. I’m currently interviewing with Oracle for a program director role and I’m nervous. Any tips or pointers you guys can help me with to secure this role would be certainly appreciated.

Thank you Oracle

like

Hello, I have an interview this week with Riot Games for an L&D specialist role. Anyone have any tips or work at Riot Games?

like

I had a panel interview two weeks ago. I sent the recruiter a status check email last Friday and haven't heard back. I'm really interested in this company and still see the role posted on their site. I'd like to send another email today (to the hiring mgr and recruiter) reiterating my interest along with a list of references. Thoughts on sending the references without them asking? I don't do well with panel interviews and I'm hoping they look past that and check my references.

like

Hi everyone! I have an interview at Deloitte coming up with 2 case interviews. The position is for Business Technology Solutions. Any advice for what to expect or how to prep? Thanks :)

like

I was just informed after the third round of interviews they’d like at least 5 references, two must be supervisors. My last job was a temporary remote job where I didn’t really interact with my supervisor and the jobs before that were at my family’s business (I do not speak to any of them for serious personal reasons.) Anything before that was grad school and I haven’t kept in contact with any professors from over five years ago. What should I do? 😕

like

Does anyone have question suggestions for a final interview with skip level boss? Big picture, vision for the role + team, growth strategy type questions! Thanks :)

like

Does anyone have Organization Design case study experience?? I’m hoping to get some insight to help prep for my Consultant interview in some days with Deloitte.

like

I’m new on the job search and still employed. I’m looking to grow further in the logistics industry. While I look for work, it’s a bit discouraging seeing how hundreds of people apply for positions I see on LinkedIn. I still apply because you never know and AI plays a huge effect in selections. Should I even bother applying when there are more than 100 applications?

like

Does any one have recommendations for resume writer specializing in consumer lending or risk management? I reached out to a few resume writer and they don’t feel they have the expertise to help. Thanks in advance

like

I have a SQL assessment to complete with Home Depot for a Senior Analyst position for Inventory Solutions department and a little nervous for it as I have not touched SQL in over a year and a half since my previous role. Does anyone happen to have any tips or insight on the assessment? What functions are commonly asked, etc. thanks in advance. Looking at YouTube and LinkedIn tutorials at the moment to freshen up.

like

I’m applying for a Fundraising manager position and have gone through 4 previous rounds of interviews. It looks promising. I have a “final” interview with the CEO on Friday. I’ve already answered all questions about my past experiences in previous interviews. What should I be prepared for in this interview ?

like

Is there a professional/respectful way to decline a take home case study that doesn't automatically disqualify you from the candidate pool?

like

Is it a red flag to not use your current employer as a reference or would this not be noticed? I have other references I want to use who I think can better attest to my skills for the job but don’t want it to raise any questions.

like

I am a Business Analyst. I have 10 years of working experience in India. In May 2022 I will complete MSc Business Analytics from Maynooth university.
In the past I have lead a team of analyst performing multiple activities like sales analytics, web analytics on Google analytics, I have also worked as a scrum master in certain projects
I have worked with tools like tableau, power BI and now alteryx any suggestions for the job role I should look forward to?

like

I have an interview for a Principal Renewals Manager role at Slack/Salesforce this Wednesday and I was hoping for some advice on how I can wow them? Ive done a lot of research and made loads of notes but get very nervous in interviews and dont always articulate how I would want to / say everything I want to cover. It also doesnt help that the job im in at the moment makes me absolutely miserable and im desperate to leave… help!

like

I was told to expect a written offer from one of the Big4 soon, however the HR team has stated that they are experiencing a back-log and will get back to me as soon as they hear back. I have been following up for the past 3-4 weeks and can’t help but feel nervous that it won’t fall through. Has anyone been in this situation with the Big4? Can they ghost you if they have already given you an offer (via phone) and you have settled compensation and start date with them verbally?

like

A company was pretty aggressively recruiting me until 4 interviews in — no movement. I haven’t heard back in a week and a half about next steps. Should I assume I won’t be moving forward any longer? I emailed the recruiter a few days ago to check in, and no response. (She typically replies very quickly and I was told I’m one of the top two final candidates 😕)

Looking for help/advice for case study interview in consulting firm in Canada. It’s a role in supply chain/retail vertical- I come from a merchandising background in retail

like

I have an interview coming up at the end if the week for a process chemist position. The company site is a bit bare since it's a new company. What would be the best way to prepare? What types of interview questions do you feel almost always come up and tips on answering them?

like

Hi,
My current company is going out of business next week. I am rushing to get my next job lined up (probably won’t happen in time but I’m trying my best). My question is: should I be honest about why I’m looking for a new job? Is it wrong to not share this info during my interviews? Is this situation going to affect my interview process somehow? Please share your thoughts and wisdom! Thanks!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal